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We understand that our region has welcomed several Afghan evacuees. Following their initial isolation period, you may be contacted by those seeking eyecare. Read the full advice for primary care here. Afghan relocation and resettlement schemes – additional guidance for optometry practices Individuals and families arriving into the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance …
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10 October 2021
All organisations with NHS Mail accounts are required to complete the Data Security & Protection Toolkit (DSPT) on an annual basis. Although waivers were previously applied due to the pandemic, from 1 July 2021 all optometry contractors applying for an NHS Mail account have been required to complete the DSPT. Contractors have a full 12 …
Continue reading “Update to NHS Mail and the Data Protection Security Toolkit (DSPT)”
20 September 2021
From 28th August 2021, the pathway for referral of urgent cases in MK is the BLMK Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). This service provides urgent assessment and treatment for recent and sudden onset eye problems, for children and adults registered with a GP in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes. A new urgent & emergency eyecare …
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27 August 2021
Public Health England has issued updated guidance on NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact. Read the full guidance here.
15 August 2021
If you’re a GOS contractor, you’ll need to complete the annual GOS complaints survey by 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. Visit NHSBSA for more information. The 2019/20 GOS complaints submission was paused due to Covid-19, however it will be open in conjunction with the 2020/21 submission which will run from 26 July 2021 until 3 September 2021. Under GOS regulations 2008, contractors are …
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11 August 2021
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down. Measures to control the temperature of clinical …
Continue reading “MHRA issues advice on PPE and heat stress”
6 August 2021
The College of Optometrists has updated its Amber phase COVID-19 guidance . Their position remains clear – practices should continue to remain open for routine services while prioritising patients on a needs and symptoms-led basis. Optometrists and other practice staff should continue to maintain comprehensive infection prevention and control procedures, including the wearing of appropriate PPE …
Continue reading “College updates its Amber phase guidance”
25 July 2021
The College of Optometrists, ABDO, the AOP and FODO have issued guidelines on appropriate infection prevention and control measures following recent government announcements. They advise that optical practices should continue to follow the College’s Amber guidance. On 19th July, practices should therefore continue to: follow current IPC guidance, including PPE ensure social distancing remains in …
Continue reading “Reviewed guidance on PPE/IPC”
14 July 2021
The way that NHS staff across all primary care contractor groups (medical, dental, optometry and community pharmacy) order lateral flow device (LFD) tests is changing. From 5th July 2021, all NHS staff will be able to order tests directly through the government lateral flow ordering portal and have these delivered to their home addresses. This update …
3 July 2021
This interesting position has become available as the present holder is retiring from the role. It provides a rare opportunity to continue the development of optical services in Bucks and Milton Keynes. The position consists of management and secretarial support to the Local Optical Committee (LOC), including communication between the LOC and NHS England, …
Continue reading “Vacancy for LOC secretary”
30 June 2021
Representatives from OFNC met recently with the Minister, Stephen Kinnock MP and officials from DHSC and NHSE.
19 November 2024
We are pleased to share that Fionnuala Kidd has stepped into the newly created role of Senior Advancement Lead.
12 November 2024